Updating a Vintage Washstand for Modern-Day Use

This washstand was so wobbly that I was afraid one sneeze would blow it over! I wasn't going to buy it, but there was another interested shopper trying to nudge me out of the way, so I immediately snatched it up. There's nothing like a little competition to get me to throw down my money, ha ha.

(I also bought the bench and you can see that project HERE.)

First thing was to give it a good cleaning.

Then I had to figure out how to stabilize the wobbliness. I pulled and tugged on each of the connection joints at the top of the table as well as where the legs connect to the bottom shelf.

As you can see I was able to easily pull the connections out of place. Luckily there weren't any nails holding the legs in place, so it was easy for me to access without damaging the structure. I've had a few chairs before that were reinforced with nails. Let's just say they ended up making good fire wood.

I squirted wood glue into the separated area.

Then I put the spindled leg back into place and then wiped away the excess glue. The wood glue dries clear, but this step will help give a more professional appearance afterwards.

Next I clamped it in place and allowed the wood glue to dry thoroughly. Easy-peasy except that I had to repeat the process for the other joints at the top and also where the bottom shelf connected. Still no problem there except I only had one clamp big enough for the job, so it was a long and tedious process. But once begun is half done . . .

Now that it's nice and sturdy once again it is time for the best part of any job . . . painting!

AFTER:

The washstand is painted in Arles (now called Marigold) chalk paint and sealed with clear wax. There's a little color surprise at the end of this post -- keep on scrolling!

I initially left the top with the original wood finish, but it looked out of place to me, so I went ahead and painted the top to match the rest of the washstand.

I applied a medium distressed finish to the paint, with a bit of chippy here and there.

I don't think too many people use washstands these days, but they are wonderfully useful for any room that needs a little extra boost of storage and work space, such as a kitchen or laundry room.

The old washstands are actually perfect to convert to a coffee bar.

Let's take a look at some of the painted finish details with the distressed paint. 

And here's the bit of color surprise! The interior drawer is painted in Provence (now called Verdigris) blue.

With the exterior having a vintage aged finish, the pop of bright color on the inside adds a nice contrast.

I painted the wood knob to match the rest of the washstand.

I hope you enjoyed today's project! Thank you for visiting The Black Sheep Shoppe.

Trash or treasure?